[Frequency of the isolation of staphylococci from domestic animals and strain identification].

This study discovered that a species of bacteria commonly known as staphylococci, was found more frequently in donkeys than in other domestic animals. Additionally, a specific variant of this bacteria was isolated from donkeys that could have distinct characteristics and potential impacts on donkey health.

Staphylococci in Different Animals

• The research revealed a noticeable occurrence of staphylococci in donkeys, compared to other types of animals. Staphylococci are bacteria that can cause a variety of diseases in mammals, including skin infections and food poisoning.
• Interestingly, the researchers found that only coagulase-negative staphylococci, a strain notably found in humans, was found in the analyzed donkeys. Coagulase-negative staphylococci typically do not cause severe infections unless an individual has a reduced immune function.
• The team reported finding the least rate of staphylococcal carrier state in cats, with only coagulase-negative strains discovered among the feline subjects.

Rarity of S. aureus in Donkeys

• A significant finding in this study was the isolation of 47 S. aureus strains from 30 of the studied donkeys. S.aureus is a type of bacteria that can cause more serious illnesses.
• These strains showed unique biological properties distinguishing them from known ecological variants, suggesting that there could be a S. aureus ecovar (ecological variant form of bacteria) specific to donkeys.
• Crucially, these strains did not coagulate human, bovine, and ovine plasma but frequently coagulated rabbit plasma and donkey plasma in some cases.
• Interestingly, these specific strains often produced delta hemolysin (a toxin impacting cell membrane), rarely produced enzymes like phosphatase and hyaluronidase (which contribute to pathogenicity), and never generated fibrinolysin (an enzyme that can break down blood clots).

Typing the S. aureus Strains

• The S. aureus strains isolated from the donkeys were typed by KPC phages, primarily of the 116 and 117 types. Phages or bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. KPC phages are used as a typing method to categorize bacterial strains based on their susceptibility or resistance to these viruses.